D ark Blues must have fewer off-days to make progress
OVERVIEW
DUNDEE’S money men will have been disappointed to lose the extra revenue brought in by the derby matches against United.
But I am absolutely certain a large number of their fans will relish the thought of a season in which their local rivals will be exiled in a lower league.
Last year I thought actually they would finish higher up the table because they started so well, and looked a very potent attacking force.
They couldn’t maintain their form, though, and slipped back.
On their day, they were a bit special, but there were also occasions when they didn’t perform to the level I expected.
One such occasion was their Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox.
I know there was a lot of expectation of a Dundee win, based on some of their league displays. But they just didn’t play at all and were well beaten.
Kane Hemmings, who has gone off to Oxford United, will be missed so I think they will finish outside the top six again.
2ANAGER
THE great thing for me about Paul Hartley is that he served his time in the lower leagues.
He was in charge at Alloa, and I believe that gave him a real feel for what the job was all about.
Specifically, I think he learned there how to develop players and bring them through, which is an ability he is carried with him to Dens Park.
He has made a few signings for the coming campaign, including the pickups of James Vincent and Danny Williams from Inverness Caley Thistle.
But the results in the League Cup suggest he could have his work cut out for him.
MOST-IM PORTANT PLAYER
THE Dark Blues get a lot of praise for their attacking ability, but the contribution of keeper Scott Bain at the other end often seems to get overlooked.
At 24, he is an outstanding talent who will again have a big part to play in the season ahead.
FINISHING POSITION
PREDICTIONS are toughest in midtable, where so often there is only a cigarette paper between some of the teams.